Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 3,135, Enoch Edwards, Penn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Penn.
Edwards, Enoch Frances
N. 3,135
CONTENTS

Pennsylvania 4083
Frances Edwards widow of Surgeon Ernoch Edwards
who died on the — April 1802 of Philadelphia in the State of Penna. who was a Surgeon in the ————— commanded by Captain ————— of the ————— commanded by ————— in the Penn. line for 2 years
Enscribed on the Roll of Philadelphia the rate of 600 Dollars ————— Cents per an. to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 24 th day of Sept. 1844 and sent to R. Randolph Present
Arrears to the 4th of Sept. 1844 $100:00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4th Dec. 45. 300:00
$4,400:00
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3 }
Recorded by G Brown Book C, Vol. 1,

h197
Frances Edwards
Gen: 2
Act 4 July '36
d. 02. m 79.

State of Pennsylvania } ss. City of Philadelphia }
On this 15 th day of May, 1844, personally appeared before me John M. Scott Esquire, Mayor of the city above named, Frances Edwards, a resident of the said city, aged Eighty two years; who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed the 4 th day of July 1836: That she is the widow of Dr. Enoch Edwards, who entered the Army as a Surgeon in the Pennsylvania line, at the commencement of the Revolution: That he was taken prisoner in the year 1778: was married on the 26 th of October 1779, whilst a prisoner on parole: That he served as an aid de Camp to Lord Stirling with Col. Munroe; and retired from the Army before the close of the war: That he died in April 1802; and that she has remained a widow since that period, as will fully appear by reference to the proofs hereunto annexed.
Frances Edwards
Sworn and subscribed before me, on the day and year before written. Witness my hand and seal of the said City.
J. M. Scott
Mayor of Phila- delphia

Extract from the Register of Marriages of the United Episcopal Churches of Christ Church and St. Peter's Church in the City of Philadelphia. Book. 3. 1779 October 26. Dr. Enoch Edwards & Frances Gordon
By virtue, of the 10 th Sec. of the Act of Assembly of 1832 erecting Christ Church and St. Peter's Church into Separate Corporations full power is given to Christ Church to give Certificates from the Registers of the late United Churches, etc. etc. Hereby Certified the foregoing as a true extract from the said Register.
Philadelphia July 10 th 1844
Witness the Corporate Seal of Christ Church in the City of Philadelphia, Moses Kempton Church Warden Henry Kean Clerk
State of Pennsylvania } City of Philadelphia } Set
I John M. Scott Mayor of the City of Philadelphia do Certify that on the day of the date hereof personally came before me Moses Kempton Church Warden, and Henry Kean Clerk, of Christ's Church in the said City, who being Severally Sworn before and say - that the foregoing Extract of the Marriage of Dr. Enoch Edwards and Frances Gordon is truly Copied from the Register of Marriages of the United Episcopal Churches of Christ's Church and St. Peter's Church in the said City of Philadelphia and that by virtue of the act of assembly specified in the foregoing Certificate full power is given to

Christ's Church to give Certificates from the Register of the Said United Churches - And the Said Moses Kepton says that he is the Warden, and the Said Henry Keam says he is the Clerk of Christ's Church aforesaid, and they both say that the Seal at- -testing the Said Certificate is the proper Corporate Seal of Christ's Church aforesaid.
Witness my hand and the Seal of the Said City of Philadelphia this tenth day of July A D one thou- -sand eight hundred and forty four.
J. Scott Mayor

Philad a July 10. 1844.
Dear Sir,
At the request of Mr. R. Randolph, I send you, on the other side, an extract from the Register of Marriages of Christ Church, stating the Marriage of Enoch Edwards, and Frances Gordon, sworn to by the Warden and Clerk of the said Church, and duly authenticated by the Mayor of this city. I hope it will be satisfactory to you.
As I have known Dr. Edwards and Mrs. Edwards, almost from my boyhood; and Mrs. E. having been one of my family for upwards of thirty years, I have become well acquainted with the Doctor's history, from hearsay, and from letters; but as in strictness, any thing I have learnt in that way, cannot be considered as proof, I have abstained from saying any thing to you on the subject, altho' I have frequently felt a strong inclination to do so. I shall only add, at this time, that from all the documents I have seen, and the information I have otherwise obtained; and from all the consideration I can give the subject, I am convinced, that Mrs. Edwards's claim, under the act of Congress of the 4 July 1836, is a just one. I know, that if she had any doubts about its correctness, she would not have made it.
With great respect, I am, Yrs. J. Roberson.
J. L. Edwards, Esq.

Rev. WIDOW, &c.
File No. _____
3135
Frances Edward
Widow
Enoch Edward
Surg. Rev.
Act: July 4, 1836
Index: —Vol. A , Page 20
[Arrangement of 1870.]

R. Randolph

Reg. Gen. Office July 21. 1792
53
Depreciation of Pay to the late Army Dr. to Col. Enoch Edwards. for the depreciation in his pay from the 1 st Jany 1777 to the 31 st July 1780 - 3 years & 7 months or 1308 days the period to which he was paid by the Uni- ted States for Rec't certified by James Pur- vis for which a claim was laid some years ago but not acted upon by the Compt. Gen. for particulars see Acc. Cur. Book. 1308 days @ 40¢. . . . . $523.20 Deduct p d by U. S. 863 88 / 90 or 97 / 100 . . . . . 863.97
4.368 3
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg Sept. 12 th 1844
Certify that the above is a true copy of the original entry as made in Pay Book No 8 folio 73. remaining in this department
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid
J. H. Baker
Aud. Genl.

Henry Dackin Auditor Genl.
Francis Edwards, 36 Su. Pl.
Richard Randolph P.O. Randolph June 28 42.

To depreciation on his pay as allowed by the United States from January 1 st 1777 to July 31 1780 - 1308 days at 4.00 pr day $5232.00 Deduct paid the specie value of the nominal pay by the United States in a certificate. . . . 863.97 Balance due Doct Edwards. $4368.03
Reasons for the above statement.
The acct of Doct Edwards for his depreciation of pay as Senior Surgeon of the General Hospital, was rendered in 1780 - It was not then allowed, on the presumption that he was not in service on the 10 th of April 1780 and therefore not entitled by the act of Congress or law of this State - Since which further proof being furnished I am now of Opinion the following are sufficient to establish said claim agreeably to the above acct.
 1 st Doct. Shippen's Certificate that he appointed him a Sen r Surgeon, which appointment was available until the arrangement.  2 nd The certificate of Doct. B. Rush that himself and Dr. Brown with whom the appointments then rested, that they continued him, and that, when this arrangement took place they found him in the discharge of his duty as Surgeon of the Hospital at Pineretown then under his care.  3 rd There appears sundry papers to shew his capture or detention by the enemy from which it appears he was released in 1779 on the Cert. of Gen t Washington and that he was included in a Flag pass.  4 th There is a deposition of Morgan Edwards to prove the ill state of his health thereafter within the time claimed as a reason for not again resuming the charge 

of an Hospital.
5 th The Certificate of Doct Bond. That he did not resign & was not consequently left out until the arrangement in September 1780.
6 th The Copy of his acct. settled by the United States in which pay is allowed him after the period claimed for disqualification of pay. ~
For the reasons of this settlement - see the Commrs Letter March 1787. ~
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg June 25 th 1844
I certify that the above is a true extract from Account Current book A. folio 4, remaining in this office
Witness my hand and seal the day and year above written
J. H. Baker Auditor Genl.
Thos. Conway 36 Sun Pl.
Richard Barnett Esq. P.O. Box 20 Chk. June 28 44

R Randolph Pres. Sept 24 th 1844

Reg. Gen. Office (July) 21. 1792
  54 Doct. Enoch Edwards Dr To Unfunded Debt For Certif. No. 8. in his favour to bear interest from 10. April 1781. being the depreciation of his pay. 4,368 03 
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg Sept. 12 th 1844
I Certify that the above is a true copy of the original entry made in Pay Book No. 8. Folio 75. one of the record books remain- ing in this department
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid
Wm H. Lachman
Aud. Genl
Register General's Office (July) 21 st 1792
  197 624 Doct Enoch Edwards Dr To Unfunded Debt 8 For certificate in his favor to bear interest from 10 April 1781 being the depreci- ation of his pay 4,368 3 
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg Sept. 12 th 1844
I certify that the above is a true extract from Journal C Folio 54. one of the record books remaining in this department.
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid
Wm H. Lachman Aud. Genl.

Register General's Office April 11. 1793
Sundries Dr. To Appropriations per act of 10 th April 1793 Enoch Edwards
  624 Unfunded Debt   8 In his favor dated 21 July 1792 4,368 03   304 Interest on Unfunded Debt   12 cyrs & 1 days Int. from 10 April '81   to 10 April 1793 3,145 71   7,513.74 
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg Sept. 12 th 1844
I certify that the above are true copies of entries made in Journal C. folio 270 one of the record books of this department.
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid
J. H. G. Baker
Aud. Genl.
Doctor Enoch Edwards Philadelphia County
  1792 1792   July To Unfunded Debt. 54 4,368 03 July By depreciation of   pay to S. Army 53 4,368 03 
Auditor General's Office Sept. 12 th 1844
I certify that the above is a true copy of the account of Col. Enoch Edwards as the same appears on folio 197 of Ledger C one of the record books of this department.
Witness my hand and seal of office.
J. H. G. Baker i Aud. Genl.

No. 1072
Philadelphia April 12 th 1793
For 7.513 doll s 74 cents.
Sir
Encl. Dr. Nicholson
Pay to Coll r Enoch Edwards or order, the sum of Seven thousand five hundred & thirteen dollars & Seventy-four Cts. being the amount stated in the official certificate of the Comptroller General and Register General, No. 1072, to be due for a certificate of Unfunded Debt, principal and interest, per act of 10 th April 1793
Thos. Mifflin
To Christian Feliger, Esquire Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Ent.
John Connelson Reg. Gen. Off.
[Endorsed]
En t Edwards
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg Sept r 20 th 1844
I certify that the above is a true copy of the original remaining on file in this department.
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid.
App d J. Packer Aud. Genl.
P. M c Hammonds Chief Clerk

Reg. Gen. Office July 21. 1792.
53
Depreciation of Pay to the late Army Det. to Doct. Enoch Edwards. for the de- preciation on his pay from the 1. Jany. 1777 to the 31. July 1780. 3 years and 7 months or 1308 days, the period to which he was paid by the United States per. acct. certified by James Burnside for which a claim was laid some years ago but not acted upon by the Comp t Genl. for particulars see Acc. Cur. Book.
1308 days @ 4 D r $ 5.232. —
Deduct pd. by U.S.
863 \frac{88}{90} or \frac{97}{100}  863.97
4.36803
Auditor Generals Office Harrisburg Sept. 12 th 1844
I certify that the above is a true copy of the original entry as made in Day Book N o 8 folio 73, remaining in this Department.
Witness my hand and seal of Office the day and year aforesaid (signed) W m F. Packer
Aud. Genl.

Register General's Office July 21. 1792.
175
Depreciation of Pay to the late Army Dt. to Doct. Enoch Edwards
197
For the depreciation on his pay from the 1st. January 1777 to the 31. July 1780, 3 years and 7 months or 1308 days the period to which he was paid by the United States for acct. certified by James Burnside - for which a claim was laid some years ago but not acted upon by the Comptroller General, for particulars see Account Current Book.
1308 days @ 4 Dol. . . 5.232.-
Deduct paid by the United States 863 \frac{88}{90} or 97 \frac{1}{100} 863.97
4.368 03
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg Sept. 12 th 1844 }
I certify that the above is a true copy of an entry made on folio 53. of Journal C. one of the books of record remaining in this department.
Witness my hand and seal of Office day and year aforesaid.
(Signed) Wm F. Packer
Aud. Genl.

Reg. Gen. Office July 21. 1792.
54
Doct. Enoch Edwards D r To Unfunded Debt. For certif. N o . 8 in his favour to bear interest from 10. April 1781. being the depreciation of his pay 4.368.03
Auditor General's Office
Harrisburg Sept. 12. th 1844
I certify that the above is a true copy of the original entry made in Day Book N o 8 folio 75 one of the record books remaining in this department.
Witness my hand and seal of Office the day and year aforesaid. (signed) W m F. Packer
Dear Genl.
Register General's Office, July 21st. 1792.
4
197 624
197 Doc t Enoch Edwards D r To his said Det t . 624 8 For certificate in his favour to bear in Interest from 10. April 1781 being the depreciation of his pay.
4.3 68.03
Auditor General's Office
Harrisburg Sept. 12. 1844.
I certify that the above is a true extract from Journal C folio 54 one of the record books remaining in this department.
Witness my hand and seal of Office the day and year aforesaid.
(Signed) W m F. Packer. Aud. Genl.

Register General's Office April 11. 1793. Sundries Dr. To Appropriations per Act of 10. April 1793. Enoch Edwards
  624 Unfunded Debt   8 Julis favour dated 21. July 1792 4368.03   304 Interest on Unfunded Debt.   12 yrs. & 1 days Int. from 10. April 81 to 10. April 1793. 3.145.71   7.513.74 
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg Sept. 12th. 1844
I certify that the above are true copies of entries made in Journal C folio 270 one of the record books of this department. Witness my hand and seal of Office the day & year of our Lord. (signed) W m F. Packer Aud. Genl.
6 Doct. Enoch Edwards. Philadelphia County.    1792 1792   July To Unfunded Debt. 54 4.368.03 July By depreciation of pay to L. Army 53 4.368.03 
Auditor General's Office Sept. 12. 1844 I certify that the above is a true copy of the account of Doct. Enoch Edwards as the same appears on folio 197 of Ledger C one of the record books of this department. Witness my hand and seal of Office (signed) W m F. Packer Aud. Genl.

Washington 5. th July 1864.
Dear Sir,
The act of 7 th June 1832 gives pensions to those who served in the continental line , State troops , volunteers , or militia . The applicant for a pension under the above act, is required to prove that he served for a period of two years, he is not required to show that he was paid . Unless you deny the authenticity of the Pennsylvania records, you must admit that Dr Edwards served from the 5. th Jan y 1777. to the 31. st July 1780. The legal authority of the State of Pennsylvania, acknowledges that the State owed him for thirteen hundred and eight days service, as a senior surgeon, and if he was not paid , it does not weaken his claim for a pension. You say that, "it is stated that he was released from captivity in 1779. and did not afterwards resume the duty of Surgeon." It is also stated that he did not resign . I respectfully ask you to reconsider the case, refer to the act of 7 th June 1832. and the record proof of the service , and then decide, either to reject the proof, or admit the claim. You will receive the affidavits , on Monday.
Accept my friendly salutations.
Richard Randolph
J. L. Edwards.

Richard Randolph Esq.
Washington City D.C.

   No of accts Names Principal Interest     628 Enoch Edwards 4,368 3   775 Capt. John Snider 16 "   780 John Ottinger 22 40   939 John Holman 24 "   975 Capt. James Penny 12 "   Of the above on interest 15,124 65  
from 10 th Ap l 1781 4,368 3 is 2,368.75 . . . . . $ 6,736.78
Residue do from _____ July 1 st 1783 18,756.62 4,840.47 . . . . . 15,597. 9 7,209.22 Dollars . 22,333. 87
Auditor General's Office Harrisburg August 7 th 1844 }
I certify that the above is a true extract from an original document remaining on file in this department.
Witness my hand and seal of office the day and year aforesaid
J. H. Bacher Aud. Genl.

Auditor General's Office Harrisburg August 7 th 1844
Dear Sir
In answer to yours of the 3 rd inst. I would inform you that I have caused further search to be made in this office relative to the case of Dr. Enoch Edwards. A paper, from which the annexed extract is taken, is the only additional evidence found. You will perceive that it has direct reference to the book entry of which you have already a copy. That entry is conclusive proof to my mind that the State of Penn a did owe Dr. Edwards. It is one of the official records of the State and cannot with propriety be gainsayed.
Yours Very Respectfully
J. M. [unclear] H. L. [unclear] Aud. Genl.
445 from
Rich d Randolph Esq.

Richd Randolph. Mrs Edward Clain. R259.
Prinonoffin
France Edward file - Adm
for the Second trip at War.

Washington 14 th September 1844.
Dear Sir,
Mr Commissioner Edwards refuses to obey your mandate, directing him, not to deduct the time of Dr Edward's imprisonment, from his time of service. Dr Connop considers your order, imperative, but Mr Edwards considers it, a suspended case, and will not act on it without your order.
I have this morning received two accounts, copies of which, I now send you: they shew that Dr Edwards was in service on the 31 st July 1780 after he was exchanged ; thus proving, according to Dr Connop's opinion; that he must have been in service, after his exchange ; to entitle Mrs Edwards to a pension. Mr Parker states, that the certificates referred to in the account which you saw, were returned to the Auditor's office, from whence they were obtained.
My desire to relieve Mrs Edwards from the suspense, and anxiety, in which she has been for several months kept, induces me, (with the approbation of Gen l Parker,) to make this communication, with the hope, that you will instruct the Comm te to give Mrs Edwards a pension.
I salute you most respectfully
Richard Randolph.
The Secretary at War.

New York 31 st October 1778.
Sir
Agreeable to my letter of the 28 th instant, per M r Keone, I am to acquaint you of my having received his Excellency the Commander in chief's orders to summon all your Officers who are prisoners at home on their paroles, to repair immediately into New York; of which you will take the most speedy and effectual measures to inform them.
I am, Sir, your most obedient, Most humble servant.
Joshua Loring Com. Genl. Prisoners.
Col. Beatty.
The gentlemen & a list of whose names are annexed are required strictly to comply with the requisition contained in the above letter. Should any, through great indisposition of body or other insurmountable difficulty, be prevented from returning forthwith, agreeable to their paroles, it is presumed they will make a proper report as early as possible..
John Beatty Com. Genl. Prisoners.
Princetown, November 12 th . 1778.
J.O.

Return of Officers at home on parole. October 12 th 1778.
General - William Thompson.
Colonels - Robert M c Gaw - Michael Swoop - David Potter - William Boats - George Matthews - George Baylot - Nicholas Hounger.
Lieutenant Colonels - Peter Beehlein - Nicholas Luty - John Ely - Thomas Ramsay - Thomas Reynolds - Christopher Green.
Majors - Agrippa Giles - Francis Murray - William Dark. Enoch Edwards - William Ellis - Oliver Towles.
Brigade Majors - Daniel Hammit - Ebenezer Bonnot. Captains - Edward Bulkley - John Willis - More Fauntleroy - Samuel Fisher - John Spotswood - Aaron Chew - Thomas Hewit - Alexander Baldwin.
Lieutenants - Samuel Dodge - John Stotsbury - William Cohoon - Jacob Bright - Edward Hall - Henry Jeans - John Connolly - Peter Wiser - Benjamin Hickox - Samuel Wilcox.
Ensigns - Giles Mounford - Elihu Hall - Andrew Thompson - Andrew M c Winn - John Spear.
Adjutant. Daniel Kennedy.
Deputy Adjutant General - Solomon Bush.
Commissary General Musters - Gunning Bedford.
Chaplain - _____ Bordel.
P. S. The printers in the different States are request- ed to give this summons an early publication.
J. O.

The above is taken from Dunlap's Pennsylvania Packet.
26 th December 1778.
The name of Enoch Edwards, as a senior surgeon in the Pennsylvanian line, may be found in the third Auditor's Office.

Philad. a May 17. 1844.
My dear Sir,
I have to ask the favour of your attention to a matter of some importance to an intimate friend of my family; but which, I hope, will not give you much trouble.
I learnt lately, that Mrs Edwards, who lives in my family, and whom you may have seen at my house, is probably entitled to a pension from the Government. She is the widow of Dr Enoch Edwards, who entered the American Army as a Surgeon, at the commencement of the Revolutionary War. Part of the time he acted as Aid de Camp to Lord Stirling, at the same time with the late President of the U. S. Mr Monroe. He was in active service, until sometime in the year 1778, when he was taken prisoner; but was soon after liberated on parole. As he could not however, have any connexion with the Army, until an exchange of prisoners took place, and as that was not effected until the

the year 1782, Dr. Edwards in the mean time, settled on a Plantation in the neighbourhood of Philada — near the place where he was born; and in October 1779, he was married to the lady before mentioned.
About the time of the exchange of prisoners, negotiations for peace were going on; and either from that, or from his health not being very good, he did not return to the Army. He continued to reside on his plantation, until a few years before his death, when he removed to the Burrough of Frankford, about six miles from this city. He built a fine, and commodious house there, and lived with great comfort, and was very hospitable. He was intimately acquainted with the leading men during the Revolution, — with General Washington, Mr. Jefferson, Mr. Madison, Genl. Pinckney, Mr. Adams, Mr. Monroe &c. and occasionally corresponded with them. During the sessions of Congress, while the government was located here, they were frequently visitors at his house.
He was very fond of Agriculture; and took a deep interest in every measure calculated for promoting the improvement of the country; but

but he had a great dislike to every thing like party politics, and seldom meddled with them; but as he never disguised or concealed any of his opinions, when there was any occasion to express them, such was the confidence of the gentlemen named, in his sincerity and fair-mindedness, that his friendship with all of them was never interrupted, even when party feeling run high, and when some of them had become estranged from each other. I may mention that Dr. E. was in favour of the re-election of Mr. Adams in 1800; and this was well known to Mr. Jefferson; but as soon as the election of Mr. J. was settled, he wrote to Dr. Edwards in the most friendly terms, and asked the favour of ordering, and superintending the building of a coach for him, by the time he would remove to Washington.
Dr. E. and his wife (they never had any children) made a visit to Europe during the winter of 1793-4. - Genl. Washington gave him several letters, - particularly to some of the great Agriculturalists in England, which gave him a better standing abroad, which few private individuals enjoyed.
Dr. E. was a member of the convention which formed the late constitution of Penna. He

He acted as a Magistrate for many years; and was also an associate judge of one of the Courts of the city and county of Philad. a
I am aware that neither the general character of an individual, nor his civil services, give him any claim upon the Gov. t for a pension; but having concluded to trouble you in this matter, I felt desirous you should know, that the claim which is now made, — and I think it is a just one — is in behalf of the widow of an estimable and meritorious citizen.
I became acquainted with Dr. Edwards in my boy hood, — in 1791: And some years afterwards, I was a frequent visiter at his house; and continued on the most friendly terms with him until his death, which was in April 1802. My first wife was a distant connexion of Mrs. Edwards, which of course strengthened the friendship which previously existed between us. On my second marriage in 1810, Mrs. Edwards became one of my family, and has lived with us ever since.
The facts therefore, that she is the widow of Dr. Enoch Edwards, and that she has re

remained single to this time, are within my personal knowledge; - and I am ready to attest it on oath should it be required.
Mr Richard Randolph, now at Washington, has at my request, made a diligent search among the Records in the War Office, in relation to this matter; and he thinks that all material facts of Dr Edwards appointment, and continuance in the Army, required by the act of Congress, can be substantiated by documents which he has seen. I have procured, and have given to Mr Randolph, a duly certified certificate of the Marriage of Dr and Mrs E. and I found him, the declaration, duly attested, required from Mrs E. by the act of Congress.
If you can in any way aid Mr Randolph in sustaining this application, I feel assured I need say nothing more, to secure it.
I am, My dear Sir, very truly & sincerely W. J. Roberson.
The Hon. R. H. Bayard.

Reasons why Mrs Edward's claim should be allowed.  1 st Col. Beatty's order to Maj r Edwards, shews that he was a prisoner.  2 d Dr Shippen's certificate that he appointed him a Surgeon.  3 d Dr Bond's certificate that he was in service in September 1780.  4 th The account, stated, and allowed by the commissioner who settled the army accounts, for the State of Pennsylvania, shews, that he was in service from the 5 th January 1777. to the 31 st of July 1780. up to which day, the act of congress of the 25 th January 1783. directs the States, to settle the accounts of the officers of their respective lines of the army.  5 th The sum deducted from his account, as paid by the U.S.  6 th The charge made against him in the third Auditor's Office, for money paid to him, as a Gen l Surgeon in the Penn a Line.  All which, is respectfully submitted to the consideration of the Secretary at War, by Richard Randolph in behalf of Mrs Edwards.
Washington 2 d September 1844.

War Department, Sept. 2 u 1844.
In the case of Mrs Edwards, the widow of Doct. E. Edwards, proof is required for the purpose of showing how, and where, Doct. Edwards was employed after he was released on parole in Oct. 1778.
He appears to have been exchanged some time in the year 1779 - proof will, therefore, also be required to show whether he was afterwards in actual service - how - and up to what time?
If Mrs Edwards deposition should be taken upon these points let it be written and certified by Mr. Mayor Scott of Phila. - If other testimony can be had, let it be produced.
Wm Wilkins

Washington May 20 th 1846.
Sir.
I beg leave to submit for your consideration the enclosed papers relating to the claim of Mrs Frances Edwards widow of Enoch Edwards, for a pension. James Robertson Esq, whose letter to me accompanies the papers, is the President of the Bank of the United States in Philad a . He has been long known to me, and is a Gentleman of the highest worth, and respectability. He was intimately acquainted with the family of the late Mrs Edwards, and Mrs Edwards has been for many years and is still a member of his family.
Your early attention to the case will be esteemed a favor.
Very respectfully yours &c Rich d A Bayard
J. L. Edwards Esq Commissioner of Pensions.

Washn. Sept 4/44
Richd Randolph.
Re legis. construction of pension law of July 30/32.
No 259. See Sept 4/44
Pension Office
D Brumh

Dear Sir,
Permit me to ask your construction of the following law. "July 30. 1832. Resolved &c. that in the construction of the act supplementary to the act for the relief of certain surviving officers of the revolution, approved June 7. 1832. The time of imprisonment, as prisoners of war, shall be taken and computed as a part of the period of service."
See 8 th Vol. Laws U. S. page 745 745.
Does the word imprisonment , mean confinement in jail. Is a prisoner of war, on parole, excluded from the benefit of the above act.
Col. George Baylor was a prisoner on parole, in 1778. and is, with Maj r Edwards, included in the order to go to New York, and report himself to the British commissary gen l of prisoners.
Col. Baylor was so disabled by wounds received in September 1778. that he could not again do duty, and his regiment was transferred to Col. Washington. Col. Baylor returned to Virginia, and was never again in the service ; his widow got a pension under the act of 1838. and surely, the widow of D r Enoch Edwards, is equally entitled. If you will examine the evidence offered by M rs Lucy Burwell, (who was Col. Baylor's widow) you will see that Col. Baylor was never in service (according to the Com ee definition) after September 1778. he, like D r Edwards, being physically incapable; neither of them resigned . Col. Baylor received his pay; his heirs received his commutation, and his widow received a life pension.
Where, I ask, is the justice in allowing it to the one, and denying it to the other. I salute you most respectfully.
Richard Randolph.
Washington 4 th September 1844
The Hon ble W m Wilkins.

Pension Office, Septem. 10. 1844.
Act g Comm r of Pensions
"Relative to the Act of July 14. 1832)"

Pension Office, September 10. 1844,
Sir,
I have the honor to make the following Report upon the letter of Mr. Randolph, asking your Construction of the Act of July 14 th 1832.
That act provides that in executing the Act of June 7. 1832, "the time of imprisonment as a prisoner of War shall be taken and Computed as a part of the period of Service."
The plain and obvious import of this enactment was to place "imprisonment" of all prisoners of War upon the footing of Service as it respects the benefits of the Act of June, 7. 1832, which has been uniformly confined to Actual , not constructive Service; and the numerous points mooted before each of your predecessors with a view to extend its provisions to any other than actual Service in field or garrison in a Military Corps have been promptly resisted. So also have the attempts heretofore to Construe "the time of imprisonment as a prisoner of War" into the whole time he may be a prisoner of War, without regard to his imprisonment as Contradistinguished from parole liberty at home, been sternly rejected. The bounty of

the pension laws has been accorded to those only who bring themselves within the limits of a real and well defined ground of merit as Soldiers in the field or in Captivity). That bounty is founded upon the positive merit of actual , not a constructive service , and upon the privations of an actual , not a constructive captivity while engaged at home in pursuit of his vocations with no other restraint than the pledge of his honor not to participate in that service which the Act of June, 7, 1832, provides for. His liability to be recalled to "imprisonment" is not imprisonment in any sense of that phrase used in the act of July, 14, 1832, viz: "Time of imprisonment as a prisoner of War". Mr. Randolph enquires whether the word imprisonment in the said act means confinement in a jail. I answer that such is its literal meaning, but when applied to "prisoners of War" it means the captivity , not a residence at home upon parole.
You will pardon the remark authorised by my position that the pension laws originating in a spirit of grateful and liberal bounty are sufficiently latitudinous under the most rigid construction of its phraseology.
With respect to Mrs. Burmell's case if

the facts be as stated, she was not entitled.
I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant.
G. M. (semp)
Hon. William Wilkins, Secretary of War.

M rs Edwards - the Widow of D r E. Edwards -
Pension Claim -
During the War of the Revolution D r E. Edwards was taken prisoner - confined - and then, in '78 and '79, was permitted to go at large on his " parole ".
He was finally exchanged.
One question is - In ascertaining the length of service of D r E. Edwards, should the time whilst he was on " parole " be computed?
My answer is in the affirmative .
In a military sense, whilst on " parole " the officer is still a prisoner of War - He is merely per- mitted to go at large, upon his word of honor - upon his assurance - that he will not actually engage in arms - or, will return at an appointed time - He is "a prisoner at large " - He is, in honor, still as much under the control of the Enemy as if he was in their Camp, or under actual confinement - He is a prisoner until exchanged.
The Doctor was finally " exchanged " - That is - he, a prisoner of War, was given up, for another pris-

- once of War -
If I am so far correct, then the act of Congress of the 14 July '32 is conclusive - for, it expressly declares that, " the time of imprisonment as a prisoner of War shall be taken and computed as a part of the period of service".
Wm Wilkins, Secy. of War.
War Department, Feb. 9 - '44.
To, Mr. Edwards Pension office.

Extract from the Register of Marriages of The United Episcopal Churches of Christ Church and St. Peters Church in the City of Philadelphia Book A
1779 October 26. Dr. Enoch Edwards & Frances Gordon
Philadelphia May 11 th 1844
Henry Kean Clerk
Moses Kemptan Warden of Christ Church
I certify the above to be a true extract.
Benjamin Dorr, Rector of Christ Church.
May 11 th . 1844.

Frances Edwards widow of Eugene Enoch Edwards $600 per ann. Act July 4. 1836 Married 26 th October 1779 ~ D.E. died April 1802 ~
Philadelphia Roll
Oct: 5
R. Randolph
Present
E

Enoch Edwards Pa. Vice-Surgeon. Evidence of service?
To Hagner.
E. M. C.
The only evidence of service that can be found in this office is in a Book called Pennsylvania depravation where he is called "Senior Surgeon Hospital" without any date affixed. P. H.
3 d Adm. Office Mar 28 1844.

Pennsylvania [3-237] Certif. No. 4083
Francis Edwards WIDOW OF Enoch Edwards Franklin Co. Pennsylvania line.
Philadelphia Agency. Rate per Month, $ Commencing Additional sum of $2 per Month for each of the following children, until arriving at the age of 16 years, commencing
Adopted
Certificate dated _____, 18 Sent _____, 18
_____ Attorney. Act 14th July, 1862. Book. Vol. Page